Date: Fri, 25 Oct 2002 18:33:42 EDT
From: Tulsadriller7@aol.com
Subject: Tales from the Ranch, Chapter 19/?

Disclaimer:  The following story is a work of fiction.  If you
are offended by descriptions of homosexual acts or man/man
relations, please exit this page.

TALES FROM THE RANCH
Copyrightc 2002 by Tulsa Driller 7.  All rights reserved.

This is a story of men who have two common interests.  You will
see that they love the land where they live and work, but it is
also the story of young men who love other men and their coming
of age in a culture of prejudice and misunderstanding.  It is a
story, which deals with difficult and often disturbing issues
but, nonetheless, issues which must be confronted in today's
world.

This is a work of fiction and in no way draws on the lives of any
specific person or persons.  Any similarity to actual persons or
events is entirely coincidental.  This work is copyrightedc by
the author and may not be reproduced in any form without the
specific written permission of the author.  It is assigned to the
Nifty Archives under the terms of their submission agreement but
it may not be copied or archived on any other site without the
written permission of the author.

PLEASE:  In a perfect world AIDS doesn't exist.  My characters
have unprotected sex.  I hope you use proper precautions because
I'd like you to be around the read the last chapter of this
story.

Tales from the Ranch
Chapter 19:  Wednesday
     Eddie woke up first, with Tom spooned in front of him.  The
two men slept in a queen-size bed but probably would have been
happy with one that w0as twin size.  They always slept tightly
together, usually on their left sides with Eddie behind Tom.  It
was seldom that they woke up being separated.
     He needed to get up and go for his morning run, but he
enjoyed just laying there and looking at his lover.  They were
both happy in Williamsport and loved their positions in the
school system.  There seemed to be a minimum of prejudice and
controversy about gay people here than even in the large city of
Houston.  Neither of them knew too many gay people here, but the
ones they did know seemed to be regular people who fit in with
the community and did their best to contribute back to the town
where they lived.
     Tom had come to Williamsport a year before him so he was
established in the school system and well thought of before Eddie
arrived at the end of that school year.  By starting early, he
was able to coach two little league baseball teams in the summer
program of the school system.  He quickly became acquainted
within the community and was respected by those he worked with.
     It was an accident that they both ended up at Stephen F.
Austin School and initially Eddie was concerned that it might
call attention to the fact they were a couple, but it hadn't.
There were two other teachers in the system that identified
themselves as a lesbian couple.  One was the high school tennis
coach and the other taught history, like Tom, but was in the high
school system.
     Then there were two "single" men that Tom and Eddie thought
might be gay, but they seemed to be closeted and unavailable when
outside activities were going on.  One of the men was a band
director and the other taught college prep math (Advanced
Placement) courses in the high school.  They didn't live together
and neither was friendly.
     Yes, Williamsport was a great place to live and they felt
fortunate to be here.  They had found a nice home almost by
accident.  The realtor they had dealt with had shown them a lot
of properties over seven months time, but nothing really
"clicked" for them.  Then, Fr. Tikker told them of a widow who
wanted to sell her house.  Her husband had passed away and she
was going to have to move to the assisted living area of a
retirement home.  Fr. George made the arrangements for them to
meet and the house was wonderful.  It was a lot larger than they
needed, but was in good structural shape and priced right for
them.  The house needed to be redecorated on the inside and the
trim needed attention on the outside.  The yard was a total mess.
Shrubbery had been planted too close to the house and allowed to
grow too large, plus a couple of trees needed to be removed in
the back.  Other than having the swimming pool built, they were
able to do all the necessary work themselves.
     The woman, a Mrs. Neese, liked Tom and Eddie.  She had been
a schoolteacher and they seemed to have a common bond between
them.  When she moved to her new place, she opted to give most of
her furniture to the men rather than sell it for practically no
money that would have been generated at an estate sale.
     So, the men moved into their new house with a minimum outlay
of cash to furnish it.  Her husband had been a building
contractor and had done a first-class job with the construction
and cabinetry.
     Eddie decided that if he was going to run, he needed to get
with the program.  He enjoyed lying next to his lover, but needed
to get up.  Going into the bathroom to pee, he pulled a clean
jockstrap, socks, a tank top and running shorts out of a drawer.
Putting them on he took his shoes and went to the kitchen.  Eddie
carried a small pack that he fastened around his waist.  It had
two bottles of water, a cell phone, five one-dollar bills and $2
in change.  He started the coffeepot and slipped out the back
door to do his stretching exercises.
     He ran 5 miles in about 50 minutes.  He was committed to
endurance rather than speed.  His route took him around the park,
then on to a lightly traveled road toward the electric plant and
back home.
     By the time he got home Tom was up, showered, dressed and
sitting at the kitchen table reading the morning paper.  The
"Today" show was turned on, the small TV sitting on the kitchen
counter.
     As Eddie came in, Tom got up to get him a glass of orange
juice and pour a cup of coffee.  The scent of Eddie hit Tom as he
leaned in for his morning kiss.  He loved the smell of
perspiration mixed with the smell of his lover.
     "Hi," Tom said as he leaned his head down slightly to
receive his morning kiss.  "Have a good run?"
     "Yeah, I ran the regular course and it took me 50 minutes.
Not a bad speed, I seemed to keep an average of 9.5 to 10 minutes
a mile.  It just feels natural."
     "I'm glad you enjoyed it.  I just don't like to run like
that."
     "I know.  It doesn't bother me.  I like running by myself.
I can plan the day, think about problems and how to solve them
and just commune with nature.  Somehow, it charges my battery for
the day to come."
     "You charge my battery.  What don't you go clean up?  I
mixed up a batch of muffins and will put them in the oven right
now."
     They exchanged another kiss and Eddie went off, carrying his
coffee mug, to clean up and dress.  They ate, talking a little
about the previous evening and getting acquainted with Dale and
Craig over dinner.  Eddie liked to look at the paper while eating
his breakfast and Tom didn't disturb him.  When Eddie was through
Tom rinsed their dishes and put them in the dishwasher.  It was
time to leave so they each grabbed their backpacks and set off,
walking the three blocks to their school.
     * * * * *
     Dale almost always woke up first and realized that he and
Craig were in the same position as when they had gone to sleep.
They were both hard and Dale started rubbing his body against
Craig, who started his wakeup process.
     "Uhmm, you feel good," Craig murmured, shoving his cock
against Dale's groin.
     "So do you," Dale whispered, stroking Craig's dick.
     They tentatively kissed, discovering that their breath was
okay, then got into the program, arousing each other until they
were fully awake.  Craig was enjoying just laying there and
looking at his lover.  Dale was having the same experience,
thinking how much his life had changed in the last week.
     Although they were aroused, they did not press for sex.  It
just felt good that they had stimulated the other and were
enjoying the experience.  Finally after about 20 minutes of
enjoying lying together, Dale said, "I guess we'd better get the
day started.  There's lots to do today and I've got a luncheon
date with a hunk who has it in his head that I ought to be a
fashion model."
     It took Craig a minute to remember that they were going
shopping for new clothes for Dale.  "Yeah, I forgot.  You look
good without clothes, too," he smirked.
     Dale reached down to grab Craig's hand and they headed out,
Dale to the bathroom and Craig to the kitchen to get their orange
juice and start the coffeepot.
     Craig came back just as Dale was finishing lathering his
face.  "How's the mustache coming along?" he asked, starting to
rub his finger over it.  "Hon, this isn't going to take you very
long to grow this at all.  How many days has it been so far?"
     "A week ago yesterday was the first day I didn't shave it."
He looked in the mirror a little more carefully and was pleased
with what he saw.  It seemed to be about a quarter of an inch
long and was going to be thick, like Marty's.  By the time they
went to Ft. Worth, it should be looking like he'd had it for
quite a while.
     Craig brushed his teeth and quickly shaved his lighter
beard.  They were ready to get in the shower at the same time.
They were both pleased, although they hadn't discussed it, that
Craig had spent the money for this wonderful luxury.  They both
liked long hot showers and this certainly fit their requirements.
     As usual, they each had a washcloth and bar of soap.  After
washing their own hair and rinsing it, then washing again, they
spent more time washing the other's body than they did their own.
It just felt good to do that and, of course, it made them both
semi-hard.
     As they were drying themselves Dale asked Craig what he had
to do today.
     Craig quickly went through the things he could think of.  I
need to call my parents about getting together with them while we
are in Ft. Worth and Dallas.  Next, I will call the women about
your sale, then I need to go out to the Bar-W before noon to
check on the footings and make sure everything is the way it
should be before they start pouring concrete.  Then it will be
time for a bite of lunch and get you outfitted in your new duds.
I'll also call about the cooking course and I'm going to take the
utility bills to work with me so I can write checks to pay them
from our new joint account."  He wiggled his eyebrows.  "Now that
I have a husband to help me afford to pay them."
     Dale's grin had to be the equivalent of 2,000 watts.  Craig
didn't know if it was because he called Dale "his husband" or if
it was the reference to their "joint account".  He didn't care.
He loved to make Dale smile.
     Dale got out boxers, socks, Levis and a polo shirt to wear.
Then he pulled out a pair of Dockers and a long-sleeve shirt to
take with him, remembering dress socks and good shoes.  He put
the pants and shirt on the same hanger and carried everything to
the front door so he wouldn't forget them.
     "Do you want to get a bite to eat in town today?" Craig
asked.
     "Yeah, I need to remember to tell Mrs. Wood that I won't eat
in the kitchen today.  The guys working on the hay will take a
pickup with them, so I don't have to worry about them eating
lunch anymore.  I need to go look at the dirt they dumped
yesterday afternoon and see how much work it's going to be to
smooth it out.
     "While I'm in town, I need to get three more cell phones,
but I probably need to call Morris Johnsmore before I do.  It's
my decision, but he should be aware of what I'm doing."
     "You have a lot to do, just checking on things, don't you?"
     "Yeah, I think my days of working with the crop crew are
over.  I'll probably just get fat, now."
     Craig grinned.  "If sex burns off a lot of calories, I'll be
glad to help you with the fat problem."
     They teased each other with a funny looking leer.
     "Or we can skip the pastries in the kitchen."
     "I'm hungry," Dale pretended to pout.
     They each poured another cup of coffee and Craig warmed up
the sweet rolls.
     Enjoying the presence of the other sitting nearby, they
quickly ate and then it was time for Dale to leave.
     * * * * *
     Dale arrived at the Bar-W as Jason and Kevin were coming
down the driveway.  Dale thought the bus was about two miles
behind him so they had a little more time to visit than usual.
     Jason noticed Dale's new mustache for the first time.  "Hey,
neat!  You're growing a mustache just like Dad."
     Kevin reached in to feel it.  "It feels scratchy.  Dad's
doesn't feel that way."
     Dale responded.  "It's only been growing a week.  It will
probably take a month before it's like your Dad's.  Mine has to
get longer and thicker."
     Kevin thanked Dale for milking Star and helping with his
chores the night before.  He wanted to tell Dale that he had seen
him and Craig kissing, but knew he had to keep quiet about that.
     "Dale, do you know where the scouts are going to camp?"
Jason asked.
     "Yeah, down on the river.  Do you remember when we were out
riding last Saturday and when we came back, we were on the old
dirt road that goes to the fishing hole?"
     Both remembered.
     "It's about a half mile back up west on the river.  It's
kind of on a little knoll.  You can see the fire pits because
they use them every time they camp there."
     "I know, there's trees all around, but none on the hill."
     "You got it," Dale said.
     About that time they could hear the bus coming down the
highway and had to run the last 50 feet to the roadway.
     "Bye, Dale.  Thanks!!" they yelled.
     Dale gave them a wave, but knew they couldn't see him.
     * * * * *
     Dale left his other clothes in his Blazer.  He'd get them
later and change before going to town.
     About that time, Michael, Pat and John drove in, this time
in Michael's car.  They parked and walked to the cooler room to
fix their thermos bottles and get ice for the chest to keep their
lunches cool.
     Dale was waiting for them when they came into the office.
"Hi guys, you can take the pickup again.  I'm going to pick up a
cell phone for you today so you will have that in the field with
you tomorrow."
     They thanked him.
     "Is the equipment running okay?" Dale asked, handing them
their time sheets.
     "Yeah.  No problems," Michael responded.
     "Well, get six 5-gallon cans of diesel fuel, you'll probably
need it about lunch time.  I have to go into town at lunchtime,
but I'll be out to the field afterward to see if you need
anything.  You won't be through mowing by that time, but there is
a chance that you might be ready to start with one of the balers
later this afternoon."
     The three went to the shop area to pick up the fuel cans.
     As they came back out, Dale told them he'd see them later.
They filled the cans, then headed for their pickup and off to the
hayfield.
     About that time Ray came driving up the driveway in his
pickup, followed by three men in another one, just like it.  They
drove on back to the construction site.
     Dale remembered that the man from the gravel company was to
be there sometime during the morning to get an estimate as how
much rock would be needed for the driveway extension.  He looked
at his watch.  Morris Johnsmore should be in his office and Dale
wanted to be sure about picking up more cell phones.
     He punched in the number and the receptionist answered the
phone.  Dale identified himself and asked to speak to Morris.
When he came on the line, Dale told him about needing more cell
phones and that he might be getting some additional ones the
following week.
     "Go ahead and get them.  I think it's time the Bar-W took
advantage of some new technology and safety precautions," he
said.
     "Do you want me to handle it the same way as when I got
mine?"
     "Yes, just have them mail the bill to me.  And Dale, remind
them that it's local calls only as we check the billing.  It's
different with you.  I assume you will need to make long distance
calls on ranch business."
     "Hadn't even given it a thought, but thanks for reminding
me," he answered.
     They said their good-byes and hung up.
     Dale fished Jerome Robinson's card out of his billfold and
called him at the GM dealership.  They briefly talked about
Dale's Mustang and Jerome gave Dale his friend's telephone
number, telling him that he was out of town for the day, but that
he could probably call him that evening.
     He remembered that he needed to let Mrs. Wood know that he
wasn't going to eat at the house today, so made that call, too.
     * * * * *
     Craig had several things on his list to keep him busy.  The
first telephone call was to his mother.
     "Hi Mom, good morning," he greeted her.
     "Craig.  What a pleasant surprise.  I was going to call you
this evening to see what you wanted for your birthday.  Your Dad
and I are thinking about coming to Williamsport to help you
celebrate."
     "That would be great, Mom, but I'm coming up that weekend
for the Ft. Worth Builder's Show.  We're coming up on Thursday
night and coming back to Williamsport on Monday afternoon."
     "Can you stay with us?" then realized that Craig had said
'we'.
     "No Mom, I've made reservations to stay at the Hilton since
the show is at the Tarrant County Convention Center."
     "Wait a minute, you said 'we' didn't you?"
     "That's right, Mom," Craig said with a big smile on his face
that she couldn't see but could almost hear.
     "Is Don coming up with you?"
     "No.  Mom, I've met a fellow here in Williamsport and he's
just wonderful.  I know that you and Dad will like him and I want
all of us to get together while we're in town."
     "Oh Craig, I'm happy for you.  Have you known him long?
What kind of work does he do?  How old is he?  When."
     Craig cut her off; he knew that string of questions wouldn't
have an end to it.
     "Mom, his name is Dale and he's a little over 2 years
younger than I am.  He's the General Manager of the Bar-W Ranch
here in Williamsport.  It's a ranch that covers about 18,000
acres and they raise Appaloosa Horses and prime-grade beef
cattle, among other things.  They have oil on the property, raise
hardwood trees and a lot of crops."
     "My, I'm impressed," Doris said.  "Your Dad and I will be
anxious to meet him."
     "That was the main reason I called.  We won't get to Ft.
Worth until late on Thursday night and the show is on Friday and
Saturday, but I think we can see everything we need to see on
Friday.  So that leaves the weekend and part of the day on Monday
for me to show Dale around Ft. Worth and Dallas.  He's never been
there before."
     "Why don't you come here on Saturday evening for your
birthday dinner?  I'll fix your favorites.  Maybe Susan and Becky
and their boyfriends can join us, too."
     "That would be great, Mom.  You'll like him and I know he'll
like all of you," he said proudly.
     "Let's plan on that, Doris said.  I'll check with your
father, but I'm sure it will be okay since he had talked about
driving to Williamsport to be with you anyway."
     "Okay, Mom.  If that won't work out, let me know because we
can do it on Sunday if we need to."
     "We love you, Craig, and congratulations.  I hope this works
out for you."
     That made Craig feel good.  "Bye, Mom.  I'll be talking to
you soon."
     He hung up the phone, having a really good feeling about
seeing his parents.
     * * * * *
     Craig quickly ran through the rest of his list of things to
do, talking to one of the women who handled estate sales, making
an appointment with them for 6 o'clock Thursday evening.
     He called Wyler's and found out they had a new cooking class
starting that evening at 6:30, meeting for 7 Wednesday's in a
row.  The cost was $75 each, limited to 8 men.  Since they only
had two spaces available, Craig made reservations for them to
join the group.
     The next item on his list was to write checks for the
telephone bill, electric and water bills and the monthly
maintenance fee at the condo, which included trash, mowing and
homeowner's dues.
     Don came in just as he was finishing and they greeted each
other.
     "I'm going to meet with Warren Collins and three of the
possible tenants for his shopping center this afternoon.  Is
there any chance you can join us?" Don asked.
     "I should be able to, what time?"
     "Warren can't get here before 2:30."
     "That works out really well for me.  I need to run out to
the Bar-W to make sure everything is okay for pouring the
footings.  Then Dale and I are going to lunch and I'm taking him
to the Gentry Shop to buy some new clothes."
     Don laughed.  "Already doing a 'make over' on your cowboy?"
he teased.
     "He's not a."  He started to say 'cowboy' then realized that
Don was just poking fun at him.
     "Ha, got you there, didn't I?" Don said, laughing.
     "Yeah, you did.  I guess it is kind of a make over.  He
doesn't have many clothes except things for work and casual
wear."
     "Any you're going to take him to the big city and let him
see all the fancy lights." Don laughed again.
     "I hadn't thought of it that way, but you are right.  He's
never been to Ft. Worth or Dallas before and he's going to meet
my family, too.  I want to take him to some nice places to eat."
     "My, my. out to impress him."
     Don was only teasing and Craig knew it, but he realized that
he shouldn't push Dale too far and too fast.  He didn't want him
to be uncomfortable, but also knew that Dale wanted to experience
nice things with him, too.
     "I guess you could say that, but he'll get along fine.  This
is a whole new world for him, but he's anxious to try new things,
and I'm glad."
     "I think you were pretty lucky to find him and lure him into
your trap, in this case a bed."  Don was in an exceptionally good
mood today and was enjoying giving Craig a bad time.  He was glad
that Craig could be open with him about his lifestyle.  It made
it as if they were brothers instead of business partners.  He
felt fortunate that they worked so well together, too.
     Craig felt his face turning red.  He didn't embarrass
easily, but sometimes he couldn't help it.  He liked Don and also
considered himself fortunate they were in business together.
They seemed to compliment each other, although both were equally
skilled in their field.
     He decided to give as good as he got.  "Maybe you're just
jealous that I found Dale and you didn't."  That should give Don
something to think about.
     "Hey, fella.  I like girls and even if I thought I wanted to
play on your team, too, I'm lucky enough to have all I can take
care of at home."
     "Guess we're even then, stud," Craig teased.
     They shared a good laugh and Craig picked up his keys so he
could drive to the Bar-W.  "See you at 2:30," he said as he went
out the door.
     * * * * *
     Dale's morning was pretty routine.  About 11 o'clock he
walked down to the construction site.  He'd heard skill saws
running all morning.  He greeted Ray and they visited about the
work, Ray explaining what they were doing.
     About that time Craig drove in to make his inspection.
     They greeted each other, Dale wishing that he and Craig
could give each other a hug, but thought it best to forgo that
type of greeting even though Ray's crew were below grade level.
     All three crawled down the ladder and Craig and Ray gave
Dale a lesson in house construction, explaining the purpose of
footings and the preparation for the drain tile and sewer line.
Ray's crew was about through, so Craig gave his okay to the work
so the concrete could be poured.  Dale and Craig crawled back up
the ladder and got his clothes out of his vehicle, both going to
the office so he could change clothes.
     * * * * *
     It was just 11:30 so they decided to drop Craig's car off at
his office and then drive the few remaining blocks to Tony D's
for lunch and then go shopping.  The lunch crowd really hadn't
started yet and they were greeted by Greg, who seated them in a
corner.  He left menus for them and disappeared.  About that
time, one of the busboys brought water and bread sticks.  Greg
returned and set a class of Chianti in front of each.  Craig
looked at him with a questioning look.
     "Complement's of the house," Greg said, winking at the two
of them.  "I was glad to find out that we have something in
common," he smiled.  "I'll be right back to take your order."
     "Isn't that nice?" Craig questioned.  Dale agreed.  They
picked up their glasses, clinking them together before taking a
sip.
     They had just decided on their selections when Greg returned
to the table.
     "Thanks, Greg," Dale said, with Craig echoing.
     "Hey, fellows, I was glad to find out that we all play on
the same team."  He lowered his voice a little.  "I don't know
too many like us, but we all need to get acquainted and become
good friends."
     "I agree," said Craig.  "Maybe we can get together soon.  Do
you work here all the time?"
     "No, this is a family operation so if I plan ahead I can get
off almost any evening or weekend.  We just have to plan ahead of
time so this place has enough help."
     "Okay, maybe next Sunday or early in the week.  We're going
to a Builder's Show in Ft. Worth next Thursday night and won't be
back in Williamsport until Monday evening."
     "Great, why don't I give you a call and see if you are
available.  Are you listed in the phone book?"
     "Both of us are, but Dale's phone has been disconnected and
you'll get a recording that the number has been changed."
     "Okay, I'll call you then, Craig.  Have you gentlemen
decided yet?"
     Dale spoke up.  "I'll have the chicken in the Hunter Sauce
and an Italian salad."
     "Good choice.  Craig?"
     "The Veal Scaloppini for me with the Italian salad."
     "Thanks, I'll bring the salad right away," Greg said as he
disappeared.
     The restaurant was starting to get busy, so they were glad
they had come here first.
     Greg was right back at their table with two salad plates and
a bowl of tossed greens with green pepper strips, tomato chunks,
pickled eggplant and small red and green pickled peppers.  He
left a cheese grater and a small wedge of Parmesan Cheese on a
small plate, too.
     They were both hungry and dug into their salads, having just
helped themselves to seconds, cleaning the bowl when their meal
arrived.  The busboy refilled their water glasses and took their
empty wineglasses away.  Immediately Greg replaced them with two
more.
     Craig started to say thank you, but Greg waved him off.
"Enjoy it."
     Dale leaned across the table.  "He really seems glad to see
us, doesn't he?"
     "Sure does.  Maybe the Dignity Chapter will help us get
acquainted with a lot of people who will be good friends."
     "I've gotten acquainted with more new people in the last
week than in the last five years, I think," Dale said, smiling at
Craig.  "Of course the most important one is sitting across the
table from me."  At that, he raised his glass, then rubbed
Craig's ankle with the toe of his shoe.
     "Thank you."  Then he mouthed, "I love you," back at Dale.
     "Me too. you," Dale said quietly.
     They were almost finished with their meal when Greg came to
check on them.  "Could I get you anything else. dessert?" Greg
asked.
     "No, I don't think so," Craig said.  "Everything was very
good."
     Dale smiled at Greg also, "I think we both really enjoyed it
and thank you for the wine.  We appreciated it."
     "Yes," Craig agreed.
     "You guys come back soon.  I'll give you a call in the next
couple of days.  I've been known to cook at my place, even," Greg
told them.  He laid the check on the table and Craig reached for
it.
     Dale gave him a funny look at started to reach for his
billfold.  Craig's eyes were twinkling as he said, "I'll just
take it out of your allowance."
     They both laughed.  They ended up with Dale leaving the tip
and Craig paying for the meal at the cash register as they left
the restaurant.
     * * * * *
     "Where is the clothing store?" Dale asked as they got in his
Blazer.
     "Just north of Commerce and Main, right downtown," Craig
answered.
     While they were waiting to get out of the parking lot, Dale
said, "Greg seems like a nice person.  I'm glad we went there for
lunch."
     "That seems to be the second gay restaurant in town," Craig
agreed.
     Dale had to think a minute then remembered Tricia at
LeGourmet.  "Yeah, I guess you are right.  I hadn't thought about
that.  There are more people like you and me around than I ever
thought about."
     "There are and probably twice as many others that we will
never know about," Craig said.
     By this time Dale was on the street and two minutes later
they were parking in front of the Gentry Shop.
     They walked in the store and were approached by a salesclerk
that had waited on Craig before.  Craig couldn't remember his
name, but then saw his nametag.  "Brad."
     He remembered Craig and greeted the two of them.  Craig
introduced Dale.
     "My friend, Dale, needs some clothes and asked me to help
him make his selections."
     Brad was looking Dale over, mentally thinking about sizes
for shirts, coats and pants.  He also liked the display of hair
in the open V of Dale's shirt.  Woof!!
     "Dale, what are you looking for today?"
     "Actually several things.  I need a suit and probably a
couple pair of slacks, a sport coat and some dress shirts and
ties."
     Brad led them to the suit department.  What are you, Dale,
about a 44 Long?"
     "I think that's what my other coat is.  I wear a 16 - 35 in
a dress shirt if that helps you."
     "Sounds about right.  Do you have a color in mind?"  He
selected a very good looking dark blue suit with a gray chalk
stripe and laid it out on the table.  Then he pulled out a gray
plaid suit and laid it beside the other.  "These are both year-
'round wools and will really hold their shape.  He took the blue
chalk stripe coat and held it for Dale to slip on.
     It was almost a perfect fit.
     "That really looks good on you," Craig said.  "Go look in
the mirror."
     Dale walked to the 3-sided mirror and was impressed with the
man looking back at him.
     Brad was fussing with the jacket, giving it a little push
and pull here and there to check the fit.  "You are almost a
perfect 44 Long in this brand, he said.  The pants may be a
little tougher to fit because you have a very slender waist for
the size of your upper body."
     Craig walked back to look at the other suits in Dale's size.
He selected two that he liked.  One was a charcoal green with an
almost invisible black plaid and the other was a light gray with
a darker gray pinstripe.
     "Try these two on so I can see what they look like."
     Brad helped Dale slip off the coat and put on the charcoal
green one.  It didn't feel as good to Dale as the first one.
"This one feels a little snug in the shoulders," he said.
     Brad spoke up.  This label is cut a little more slender.
Let me see if we have a 46 Long in it.  He was right back and
helped Dale switch coats.  It was much better and also looked
good on Dale.
     Brad had the third suit coat ready for Dale to try.  It was
the same cut as the first one and fit about the same.  Dale
wasn't sure which he liked the best.
     "Which one do you think?" he asked Craig.
     "The dark blue stripe really looks great on you, but I like
the light gray one, too.  It's not quite as dressy looking,
though, if you ask me."
     Dale glanced at the tag.  This was going to be an expensive
lunch hour.
     He turned to Brad.  "I'll take the dark blue one."
     Brad grabbed the pants for that coat off the hanger and
turned up the legs so Dale could try them on.  He pointed out the
dressing room and Dale slipped in to put the pants on.
     "We're probably going to have to take the waist in about 2
or three inches," Brad said as they were waiting.
     Dale stepped out of the dressing room.  Sure enough he had
to hold the pants up to keep them from sliding down.  Brad
approached Dale and held the waist at the back while he checked
the fullness through the thighs and seat.
     "We can alter these with no problem," he said.  He marked
the waist, then put a clip on the back seam so he could mark the
other alterations in the seat and side seams between the waist
and Dale's knees.  He moved on downward to check the length.
Craig spoke up.
     "Make these plain bottom with the back coming just to the
top of his heel and a very slight break on the front side."
     "Yes sir."  Brad was wondering what their relationship was.
He slipped the coat back on Dale and started marking with his
tailors chalk.  There were few alterations needed on the coat.
     He slipped the coat off.  "Now did you say that you needed
slacks and a coat?"
     "Yes."
     Craig spoke up.  "Dale, let's see what they have a in blazer
style jacket."
     Brad led the way to that area of the store.  He selected
four coats and laid them out on the table.  They were alike
except for the colors.  A medium gray, a burgundy, a dark gray
and a tan one.
     "Lets look at the medium gray and the burgundy first," Craig
said.
     Brad held the gray coat for Dale and slipped it on him.
Again, it was almost a perfect fit.  Dale liked what he saw.
     "Now try the burgundy color."
     Brad helped Dale slip the coat off and put the other one on.
     Dale really liked that one.  Craig was thinking that Dale's
other coat was a medium charcoal blue, but not a blazer style.
Either of these would be fine, depending on what Dale picked.  He
liked the medium gray, but wasn't going to say anything unless he
was asked.
     He didn't have to wait long.
     "Well, which do you think?" Dale asked.
     They are both sharp looking, but I think with your other
coat that you might do well with the medium gray.  It's a little
more casual looking."
     "Okay," Dale told Brad.  "The boss likes this one."  He gave
Craig a big smile.
     Brad's next question was about the slacks to go with the
coat.
     "Craig again spoke up.  Let's look at something lighter and
something darker that will go with the coat."
     Brad led them to some racks behind where they were standing.
He quickly pulled a light gray wool, a dark gray wool and a black
wool to select from.
     Craig indicated the two gray pair, holding them up to the
coat.  Brad turned up the legs and sent Dale back to the dressing
room.  He came out wearing the dark gray pair and handed Brad the
suit pants.  Brad helped him slip the coat on.  Craig was
pleased.
     Dale was, again, impressed with Craig's selection.  "Okay,
this pair will do.  Are you ready to mark them?"
     "Yes, let me slip the coat off so I can mark the pants
easier," helping Dale shed the coat.
     These pants fit well, requiring only some tightening in the
seat and the marking the length.
     "Do you want these finished the same way?" he asked to no
one in particular while squatting down.
     "Yes," Dale said before Craig could speak.
     "Ok, now let's put the jacket back on and I'll check to see
what needs to be done to it."
     He helped Dale and there was only a minor alteration needed
to tighten the coat slightly at the waist.
     "I'll take the jacket while you put the other pair of pants
on."
     Dale went back to the dressing room and was right back out,
wearing the other pair.  Brad helped him with the jacket.  The
pants looked good with the coat.
     "Okay," said Dale.  "You can mark these."
     Brad marked them the same as he had the other slacks.  He
stood up.  "Okay, sir, while you are putting your clothes back on
we'll head to the shirt department.  It's right around the corner
over here," he pointed.
     Brad gathered up the suit, coat and pants to take with them
and Craig followed him.
     "He did say a 16 - 35, didn't he?"
     "That's right," Craig said.
     "Anything particular in mind?" Brad asked Craig, still
wondering about the two of them.
     "For the suit, let's look at a spread collar in white and a
medium blue, and for the other coat, I think a button-down oxford
cloth.  One white and the other blue."
     Brad pulled the shirts out and laid them next to the
respective coats.  Dale came back from the dressing room about
that time carrying the other pair of slacks to be altered.
     "Do you like these?" Craig asked.
     "Those are fine," Dale said looking at the shirts.  "Do I
need four?"
     "They will do for now.  We can get you more the next time
you get a new suit, maybe at Christmas."
     Brad was all ears.
     Dale's only comment was, "What about ties?"
     The tie counter was right behind where they were standing.
Craig quickly picked out 4 ties, a red and blue rep stripe and a
blue and gray geometric pattern to go with the suit; then a red
and gray with emblems on it and a red and black stripe to go with
the blazer.
     Brad said, "Anything else for you gentlemen, underwear,
socks, shoes?"
     "Dale said, "No, I think I'd better quit while I'm still
ahead.
     Brad led the way to the middle of the store where the
counter and cash register were.  He started writing the ticket.
When he totaled it, he said $950.80.  Dale had mentally added it
up in his head, so was close.  He pulled out his checkbook and
started writing the check.  Craig had never noticed Dale's
handwriting before except his signature.  He wrote with a very
legible and firm stroke.  Every letter was perfect in
relationship to the next.  He was impressed.
     He handed the check to Brad and started to pull out his
billfold for his driver's license.
     "I don't need that."  He looked at the address.  "Is this
address correct?" he asked Dale.
     "No, I'm sorry I didn't change it.  It's 3718 Larcher Drive,
Apt. 5-A."
     "Is this the correct phone number?"
     "No," the new one is 555-8327.  I'm sorry, I just moved the
other day."
     Brad was thinking that he knew where both addresses were and
the two areas of town were a sharp contrast to the other.  He was
still wondering about these two men and what their relationship
was with each other.
     Brad thanked Dale as he rang up the sale.  "This is
Wednesday.  You can pick the clothes up anytime after noon on
Saturday.  You might want to try them on here before you take
them home, especially the suit pants," he told Dale.  "I'm sure I
marked them okay, but there are multiple alterations on that
pair."
     "Thanks," Dale told him.  "I'll try to get them on
Saturday."
     They left the store and Brad watched Dale unlock Craig's
door and open it for him, then go around and get in the drivers
side of the Bar-W vehicle.  He was almost sure they were a
couple.  They were both good-looking men, but he was especially
attracted to Dale.  He was still wondering who they were.  It
seemed to him that Dale was probably buying better clothes than
he was used to wearing.
     * * * * *
     Dale dropped Craig off at his office.  There was no one
around and the parking lot was empty.  They exchanged a
passionate kiss.
     "You're an expensive lunch date, but thanks for helping me
with the clothes today.  I wouldn't have known what to buy and I
really like what I got."
     "You are welcome.  And. you're going to be a handsome stud
when you wear them.  I'll have to beat both the men and the woman
off when I go out with you," he teased.  "I'm glad you belong to
me."
     "I'm glad I belong to you, too," he said, getting another
kiss.
     As Craig started to get out of the vehicle he remembered to
tell Dale about the cooking class that night and the meeting with
the estate sale women the next evening.
     * * * * *
     Dale had one stop to make before going back to the ranch.
He had to go to Southwestern Bell Mobile to get three more cell
phones.  They were just around the corner from Craig's office,
going toward the ranch.
     The same salesman that had waited on him on Monday was there
today and greeted him as he went through the door.
     "Hello, I hope you aren't having problems with your cell
phone," he said.
     Dale smiled.  "No I've decided that some of our crew members
should carry them in case they have an emergency or need
something delivered to where they are working."
     "We can take care of that.  How many were you thinking you
need?"
     "Three today.  One of the foreman hasn't decided what his
needs are so I guess we'll have to wait until next week for
those."
     "Do you want the same set up as we made for you?"
     "No, these are mainly for emergency use so I think just the
minimum contract will work for them.  They are not supposed to
make personal calls on them and we should be able to monitor that
closely."
     "Okay, let me pull your contract from Monday and I'll enter
the information into our computer.  It will probably take me an
hour to get everything completed and have the phones turned on."
     Dale looked at his watch.  It was already 1:45.  "What time
do you close this evening?"
     "We close at 5:30."
     "Okay, I'll have to come back into town, so I'll plan to get
here just before 5:30.  If you have any problems, you have my
cell phone number, don't you?"
     "Yes, it's right here on the contract."
     "Good, I'll see you before you lock up."
     * * * * *
     Dale went directly to the construction site when he got back
to the ranch.  They had poured concrete in about half the forms
for the footings.  It was good to see they were making such great
progress.
     Ray saw him drive up and walk to where he was standing.
They exchanged greetings and Dale asked him how it was going.
     "Making good progress.  They should be through in about an
hour.  Oh, before I forget, here's an estimate for the gravel for
the driveway.  He just left here about 20 minutes ago and said
for you to call him at this number."  Ray pointed to a penciled-
in number on the bid sheet.
     "What's the schedule on the house look like?" Dale asked.
     "The crew will be out about noon tomorrow to take the forms
off the footings and will start setting up the forms for the
basement walls.  We should be ready to pour those on Friday
afternoon.  They can cure over the weekend and those forms can
come off on Monday.  We'll prepare to pour the concrete floor on
Tuesday and that will need to cure for a day, but they can start
putting the top plates on the stem walls on Tuesday, too.
Wednesday, we'll put up floor joists and put the decking on.  If
the weather holds and everything goes as planned, she should
starting framing walls on Thursday.  I'd say by the middle of the
next week - two weeks from now - we should have it completely
closed in and be ready to run plumbing and wiring.
     "Do you have enough help?" Dale asked.  "I have one person I
might be able to spare from the crops crew."
     "Let me see.  I think right now we are set, but two of these
guys are new and I don't know yet how dependable they are about
showing up for work everyday."
     "Okay.  I'll be gone a week from Friday and the following
Monday, but Mort will be around and Marty should be, too.  The
next weekend is a horse show in Waco, but I think we'll just be
gone on Friday night through Sunday night.  That shouldn't cause
you any problems anyway, Ray, you're the contractor."
     "Hey, if I don't hassle you guys, I can't charge as much,"
he laughed.
     Dale laughed with him, shook hands and went back to his
vehicle to move it back to the barn.
     He noticed that Mort had decorated his desk with more
paperwork to approve.  His first task was to call the man from
the gravel company.  He gave Dale the estimate and told him they
could lay the gravel the next day and would like to start with
the first load about 9:30.  Dale okayed the plan.
     He decided to drive to where the crew was working in the
hayfield.  He was very surprised when he got there.  It was just
2:35 and they were almost through mowing.  Probably another hour
or so to finish completely with two of them mowing.  He decided
to have Michael take his tractor back to the ranch and have Pat
continue mowing and John raking.  That should allow Pat time to
finish mowing before quitting time and Michael would be able to
bale hay for a little more than 2 hours.  He waved Michael down
as he completed his pass through the field.  He quickly explained
what he wanted to do, telling him that he would follow him to the
ranch.
     Michael started off and Dale hailed Pat to tell him what he
wanted him to do, then caught up with Michael before he got to
the road.
     It took them about 10 minutes to get back to the equipment
storage, park the tractor and get the baler started.  Dale
explained that if Pat was finished mowing by 5:30 he was to bring
his tractor back and Michael and John were to follow him in the
pickup.
     "If he's not through mowing, just bring the pickup back.
You fellows can move the baler to the field in the morning
regardless of him being through because you'll need it.  You can
bring the tractor back up here tomorrow evening if that's the way
it works out."
     "Sounds okay to me," Michael said.
     "I have to be back in town before 5:30 so I'll leave your
time sheets on my desk.  I'll follow you back to the field now
and plan to see you in the morning."
     Michael started out with the baler and Dale followed in his
Blazer after he loaded 4 spools of baling wire into his vehicle.
     * * * * *
     When Dale got ready to go back into town he realized that he
hadn't changed clothes after arriving back at the ranch.  'Well,
too late for that now,' he though.  However, he hadn't done
anything to get dirty.
     He picked up the cell phones.  The salesman had put stickers
with the phone numbers of each on them.  Dale would need to write
all of them down and see to it they were made available to
everyone.
     * * * * *
     He arrived home at 5:45 and Craig pulled into the parking
lot as he was walking toward the building.  He waited for Craig
to catch up and they entered the elevator together.  They
exchanged a kiss as the door closed.  It lasted until the doors
opened on the 5th floor.  As expected, they both started to get
hard.
     As they shut the door to their condo, Dale laid his work
clothes on a table, dropping the sacks with the shirts and ties
on the floor, and gathered Craig into his arms.  "Hi, babe.  I
missed being around you all day."
     "Hi, yourself, stud.  How's my favorite model this evening?"
     Dale grinned.  "I did look pretty good, didn't I?"
     "For a cowboy, you clean up pretty good," Craig teased.
They exchanged another kiss.  "Those clothes really looked good
on you."
     "Thanks for helping make the selection.  I wouldn't have
known where to start."
     "Glad to do it and I'm glad you found things you liked,"
Craig said.
     They pulled away from each other.
     "Don't forget we have our first cooking lesson this evening.
We have time for a drink, but they said that we will eat the food
we prepare in each class."
     "I wonder what tonight's menu will be?" Dale questioned.
     "They didn't say, but this is supposed to be a basic course,
so it may not be elaborate."
     "Why don't you fix drinks then and I'll put this stuff in
the bedroom?" Dale said.
     "Okay, what do you want?"
     "Surprise me.  I've liked everything you've given me so
far."
     "Will do.  Do you have any interest in inviting Eddie and
Tom to join us for a horseback ride and picnic on Saturday?"
     "Sure, do you think they will be home now?" Dale asked.
     "Probably.  Do you want to call them?"
     "Sure.  I'll go in the kitchen and put them on the
speakerphone.  Is that okay?"
     "That's fine.  I'll bring the drinks."
     Dale went to the bedroom, putting his packages on the bed,
along with his work clothes.  He could wear the Levis again as he
hadn't gotten them dirty.
     He looked up the telephone number he needed and punched in
the digits.  Tom answered on the first ring.
     "Tom, this is Dale Richards.  How are you guys this
evening?"
     "Dale, it's great to hear from you.  Let me tell Eddie to
get on the extension."
     "Fine, Craig's fixing us a drink and I'm on the speakerphone
in the kitchen."
     Eddie picked up an extension somewhere in their house and
Craig came to the kitchen to put ice in their glasses.  He handed
Dale a Gin and Tonic.  Dale took a sip and liked it, giving Craig
a hug.
     Craig greeted the other two men and they talked briefly
about their day, then Craig told them he and Dale were starting
the cooking class at Wyler's that evening.
     Dale continued.  "Craig and I are thinking about taking
horses from the ranch and going on a picnic this Saturday.  We'd
like for you to join us if you can."
     "That sounds like fun," Eddie said.  "Do you know what
time?"
     "I thought we could meet about 11 o'clock.  It will take a
little bit to get to the ranch and then another 15 minutes to
saddle the horses.  Do you both know how to ride?" Dale asked
them.
     "I'm comfortable on a horse," Tom said.
     "I've ridden a little, but not much," Eddie told them.
     "Not a problem.  All of the saddle horses are good mounts
and easy to handle.  Be sure to wear Levis or something like that
and if you have boots, wear them, too.  We won't be going
anywhere that it's rough, but its just good protection.  There's
a small spring-fed lake on the river and it's a nice place to
eat."
     Craig spoke up.  "I'll get a picnic basket from LeGourmet."
     "This sounds like fun.  Eleven o'clock Saturday at your
place?" Tom asked.
     "That's fine.  We're on the top floor, unit 'A' on the left
when you get off the elevator."
     "Thanks for thinking of us.  We're both looking forward to
this.  It should be fun," Eddie said.
     They finished their conversation and hung up.
     As they returned to the living room and their favorite love
seat, Dale said, "This is a really good drink.  What is it?"
     "Gin and Tonic.  I like the bitter taste of it once in a
while," Craig said.
     "I'm amazed.  All I ever knew about was beer and bourbon
before I met you."
     "There's lots of drinks that can be fixed, but there are a
lot neither of us would like, too," Craig replied.
     * * * * *
     They arrived at Wyler's about 6:25.  The store had been in
Williamsport for about 3 years and was a branch of their store in
Austin.  It was a "Function Junction" type of store, carrying all
kinds of appliances, gadgets, spices, prepared sauces, cook
books, glassware and table accessories.  They greeted the other
men, introducing themselves to everyone.  The last person, who
appeared to be college age came in the door just at 6:30.
     The eight men were standing around making polite
conversation when a tall slender man, probably about 30, entered
the area, introducing himself as Andrew Glenn.  He showed them a
stack of aprons, and then had each of them write their name on a
tag and place it on the bib.  His next request was to have the
group introduce themselves and tell of their kitchen experience.
     When it came to Craig, he said, "I can make toast, coffee
and put a frozen dinner in the oven."  Everyone laughed, probably
thinking of themselves.
     Dale had a similar answer.  "I can feed myself, but its
pretty limited fare."  More laughter.  However, it didn't sound
like they had anyone in the group who was really experienced in
the kitchen.  Craig guessed that their ages ran from the fellow
who might be in college to two men who were probably a little
older, maybe mid-30's.  They looked like they might be a couple
and their names were Louis and Jerry.  Craig couldn't get a
reading on the others, except the younger man, Kris, but his
gaydar wasn't too advanced, either.
     The "kitchen" at Wyler's was set up set for groups like
this.  There were four cook tops and four large counter areas.
It appeared there were KitchenAid stand mixers, food processors,
blenders and knife racks at each workstation.
     "Gentlemen.  As you probably know, we will be here about 2-1/2
hours each of the seven evenings.  Tonight we are going to cover
the basic food handling techniques.  You will learn how to use
various types of knives for chopping, deboning and preparing
vegetables and chicken.  We will be dining on your efforts each
week.  Tonight we are having chicken breasts, which we will saute
in butter, olive oil and balsamic vinegar.  This will be
accompanied by a mixed green salad, a corn casserole, fresh green
beans with onions and mushrooms and fresh zucchini patties.
     The preparation of some of these dishes will be done by each
team and others we will work together on because of the quantity
the recipe produces.  For instance, each of you will learn how to
debone a chicken breast and prepare it for cooking.  The corn
casserole will be divided so that each two teams will prepare
one.  It will be the same with the green beans and each of you
will prepare your own zucchini patties.  We're going to cheat on
dessert tonight, as I'll prepare it, but each of you will get to
do a small part of it.
     Andrew (they learned quickly not to call him Andy) started
them on the techniques of using a chef's knife to prepare
vegetables for the salad, using the "rocking motion" to cut green
onions and then a different technique for the tomatoes and
cucumbers.  They peeled and shredded carrots also.
     Andrew went around checking on everyone, correcting the way
they held the knives and showing them different techniques.  Both
Dale and Craig thought his method was a little too "hands on" as
he seemed to want to reach around them, patting shoulders,
squeezing arms.  They weren't uncomfortable, but thought it was
unnecessary.  They did pick up that he was also doing the same to
the college-age fellow and the two older men they thought might
be a couple.
     Andrew was good, fast and thorough.  He soon had them
working on green beans and the mushrooms.  They he got everyone's
attention and had the teams of Dale and Craig and Lewis and Jerry
mix up one of the corn casseroles.  Each was supposed to serve
four.
     Boning the chicken breasts turned out to be easier than Dale
and Craig thought it might.  They used a special knife and the
meat slipped right off the bones.  Andrew told them he was
teaching that technique because of the difference in price when
one bought whole breasts compared to those that were already
boned.  Neither had realized the big difference in cost.
     Next he showed them how to use the food processor to shred
the zucchini and prepare it to be fried.  Andrew stressed knives
they were using; which ones to buy first and showed them how to
keep their knives sharp.  "A dull knife is dangerous and an
accident waiting to happen," he told them.
     He showed everyone how to flour and season the breasts and
then start the cooking process, in this case sauteeing them.
Everything made sense and no one had any difficulty.  No one had
ever explained it to any of them before.  At the end of 2 hours
all of the preparations started coming together and they soon
were ready to sit down to eat.
     By chance Dale and Craig ended up at the same table for four
where Jerry and Louis were sitting.  Their conversation was
carefully worded and the two found out that both men had been in
marriages that didn't work.  Jerry's wife had left him and Louis
had left his wife.  They worked at the same place and had started
going to the gym and out to eat together.  One thing had led to
another and they were now living together.
     Dale and Craig guessed at the part of the story they weren't
telling, but did tell the men that they had recently started
living together, also.  There were knowing looks exchanged among
them.
     The food was very good and the baked cherry dessert was a
hit with everyone, being served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice
cream.
     As they left for the evening, Andrew gave each of the men
two sheets containing the recipes they had prepared that evening.
     The four men walked out to their cars together and Dale and
Craig were just getting into Craig's car when Jerry asked them if
they would like to get a cup of coffee.  Dale quietly suggested
to Craig they should invite them to their place and Craig agreed.
     "Why don't you come to our place and we'll have coffee
there?" Craig asked them.
     "Sure, that sounds great, Louis replied.  They followed in
their car with Louis driving.
     They rode up to the condo in the elevator, making polite
conversation.  Dale unlocked the door and Craig went in first to
turn on lights.
     "Dale, why don't you give them a tour while I get coffee
started?" Craig asked.
     He gave them a fast tour of the unit, ending up in the
kitchen as Craig was getting coffee cups out of the dining
alcove.  Both men were impressed with the kitchen and fascinated
by the commercial stove and refrigerator.  They got into a long,
involved discussion about the cooking class.  Finally when the
coffee was ready, Craig set everything up on the coffee table in
the living room and they moved in there to continue their visit.
     They shared their stories and discovered the four of them
had a lot in common; both Louis and Jerry had grown up on farms.
Louis worked as an accountant for a company that built motel
furniture in the next town.  Jerry was the personnel and
insurance coordinator.  Dale and Craig talked a little bit about
their jobs.
     When Louis asked them about having gay friends, Craig told
them about the Dignity Chapter, which was forming and invited
them to come and meet some of the people who were members.  Both
men accepted immediately.
     "This is all new to both of us.  I had no idea that I was
really gay," Louis said.  "I got married after college because
everyone seemed to think I should."
     "It was somewhat the same with me," Jerry told them.  I
always knew I liked being with men and had a couple of
experiences when I was in college, but I always thought the
feelings would go away when I got married.  They didn't."
     Dale and Craig both were thinking that they were lucky to
have been spared that problem.
     * * * * *
     "We really enjoyed the class and then having a chance to get
acquainted with both of you," Jerry said as they left the condo.
     Dale and Craig were standing in the doorway with their arms
around the other's waist and waved to the men as they got on the
elevator.  "Good night, guys," Craig said as the door shut.
     They shut their door and gathered the other in their arms,
     exchanging a long, passionate kiss.
     "I'm so glad we found each other and didn't have to go
through what they've been through," Craig said.
     "Me, too," Dale murmured as they kissed again.
     They walked back in the living room and Dale helped Craig
gather up the dishes, following him to the kitchen.
     "I can't believe it.  Every time we turn around more gay
people seem to pop up," Dale said
     "I know.  I think that Brad at the Gentry Shop had his eye
on you when he was fitting your clothes."
     "What about Kris, the college boy?" Dale asked.
     "Maybe," Craig answered.  "He didn't have much to say, but
we were working next to Louis and Jerry and didn't have a chance
to talk to him."
     They discussed having seen Greg at lunch.  "Maybe if he
invites us over for dinner, we'll learn something about cooking
from him, too," Dale told him.
     "That's a thought."
     They agreed that the evening had been a success and were
looking forward to the class next week.
     * * * * *
     John invited Michael and Pat to go out to get something to
eat, but Pat declined before Michael could say anything.  Both
John and Michael were a little frustrated.  Michael knew that he
and Pat would probably end up pleasuring each other, but John
knew that any action he got that night was going to be by his own
hand.  He decided not to press the issue, leaving the two to
themselves and going to a movie by himself after he got a
hamburger.
     Since he had sweat so much that day, he wanted a nice shower
to cool him off and relax him before going to eat.  The hot water
felt soothing and the soap washed away the smell of honest sweat.
     He finished his shower and dried himself, draping the towel
over the shower rod so it would be dry for his morning shower.
     He decided on a clean pair of Levi 501's, a short sleeve
button shirt, boxers and athletic shoes.  Pulling his clothes on,
he was dressed and ready for an evening by himself.
     There was a bar close to the Western Junior College campus
that had good sandwiches and John decided to go there.  He
immediately ran into an old friend from school that he hadn't
seen since the previous spring.
     "John, how are you?"  Nolan Nichols seemed glad to see John.
They had roomed across the hall from each other, but had gotten
acquainted in an Algebra class they were in.  From time to time
they studied together.
     "Great, Nolan, are you still in school?" John asked.
     "Yeah, it's gotten off to a pretty good start.  I have one
tough class, a biology lab.  The class is okay, but the teacher
acts like he doesn't know the subject matter."
     "Maybe he doesn't.  Remember Mrs. Faust that we had for
English last year?  She needed the class worse than we did," John
said.  They both laughed at the memory.  The woman couldn't say
ten words without saying "ain't" or "them thar", certainly not
English instructor material.
     "Can I buy you a beer?" Nolan asked.
     "Sure, I came in to get a sandwich then I'm going to a
movie."
     "What are you going to see?" Nolan questioned, getting the
bartenders attention for a beer for John.
     "Don't even know what's playing.  Just thought I'd go to the
theatre and take my chances."
     The bartender served John's beer.  He hadn't checked either
of their ID's, but both looked older than 19.
     "Hey, ya wanna play a game of pool?" Nolan asked.
     "Sure."
     They took their mugs to the table and Nolan set it up while
John selected a cue stick.  They flipped a coin to see who would
break, then proceeded to play.  John was having a good time and
they ended up playing four games and having two beers each before
ordering a sandwich.  They sat in one of the booths along the
wall, where they could see the entire room.  About that time
their sandwiches and a third beer arrived.
     The first time John felt Nolan's knee against his, he
thought it was an accident, but neither moved their knees away.
In fact John could detect a pushing motion, kind of like Nolan
was rubbing his knee with his own.  He looked at Nolan, to see a
grin on his face.
     He grinned back.  'Bingo', he thought to himself.
     Then he felt Nolan's hand on his knee, rubbing up the inside
of his leg.  John's response was a smile, then putting his feet
on the seat on either side of Nolan and scooting down slightly.
     This was what Nolan was hoping for.  Still grinning, he
slipped his right loafer off and used his toes to feel John's
Levi-clad crotch.  John took a deep breath.  "That feels good,"
he whispered.
     "I always thought you would like this," Nolan said quietly.
     "You got that right."  John used his left hand to rub
Nolan's foot, running it up to the top of his sock and feeling
the hair above the top of his sock.  Nolan sure had a lot of hair
on his leg.
     John was starting to get a major hardon.  Nolan was, too,
but John didn't know that - yet!
     Nolan leaned across the table.  "Do you have any place we
can go?  I live in the dorm."
     "Yeah," John said, his excitement showing.  "I live over at
the Starlight and have a room all to myself."
     They were through eating.
     "Let's go," Nolan said, slipping his shoe back on.  He stood
and each left a tip, then paid their tab at the bar.
     Once outside, Nolan said, "I don't have a car."
     "Mine's right here in the parking lot," said John.
     He unlocked the door for Nolan.  It took them less than 5
minutes to get to the Starlight and into John's room, Nolan
rubbing his hands up and down John's Levi-clad leg while he
drove.
     John's thoughts were, 'To hell with Michael and Pat.'
     * * * * *.
     (to be continued)
     * * * * *
Author's Note:  This is my first attempt at gay fiction, and the
only way I can learn whether or not I should continue is from my
readers' feedback.  I would appreciate your comments, criticism,
suggestions, and anything else that you would care to say.  All
Email will be answered.  If you wish to receive e-mail
notification of subsequent posting, please let me know by sending
your request to the e-mail address below.  Contact me at:
tulsadriller7@aol.com

Thanks for the overwhelming response to previous chapters.  I
received positive replies from all over the world.  My special
thanks to RW, whom I've known for many years and value his
suggestions.  Also for the proofreading help of Paul Daventon,
author of  "Turning the Page" found in the "Adult-Friends"
section of Nifty.  Please read it.